St Margaret's College 2017 Autumn Evergreen Magazine Evergreen Autumn 2017 online | Page 13

Five minutes with...
The Rite Journey
Sarah Platt
The start of the school year marks a unique opportunity for
the girls entering Year 10 at St Margaret’s College. As they
come of age and move from adolescence to adulthood, they are
guided through this often challenging journey with the help of
Margaret’s
a St
programme
that was adopted by St Margaret’s five years ago.
Nicky Averill
College Foundation
The Rite Journey, a year long programme created by a South
Fundraiser
Australian
physical education teacher, provides unique life
skills that support the development of self-aware, responsible
What does your role at St Margaret’s involve?
and resilient young women. “The programme has the ability to
As the Foundation fundraiser I am looking at finding ways
adapt the teaching around the specific needs of the students.
to ensure the school environment and the girls within
They
are given opportunities to discuss topics that are
it have a secure future.
most relevant to their lives at this time”, says Lisa Williams,
What 10
did
you do before St Margaret’s?
Year
Dean.
I looked after marketing and health and safety in our family
business,
Ashton
Garage
Doors. Prior
to that I worked
For
the 152
Year 10
girls attending
St Margaret’s
College, their
in
a
Tauranga
art
gallery.
Rite Journey began as their parents gave their blessing and
promise
of support
to work with
their
daughter
throughout
If you could
travel anywhere,
where
would
it be and
why? the
I’d love
travel
to their
Canada
side to the other
– the
year.
The to girls
took
first from
steps one
to farewelling
their childhood
ultimate
roadie,
preferably
a classic
convertible!
by
thanking
their
parents in
and
caregivers
and acknowledging
all
those
that had
supported
and impact
those that
will and
continue
What
teacher
in school
made them
the most
on you
why?
to
support
them
as
they
embark
on
their
journey;
their
Mrs Gould, my art history teacher, for instilling in me, my rite of
passage
into adulthood.
love of art.
What are your
three favourite
Following
this top
moving
ceremony, books?
the ‘calling’ took place at
• ‘All the Light I Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr
Taylor’s Mistake where the girls ventured to Godley Head, an
– it looks from the perspective of both sides at the
inspiriting location for the beginning of a special journey. For
hopelessness of war.
Molly Leckie, a current Year 10 student, “The Rite Journey is
• ‘Bad Jelly the Witch’ by Spike Milligan
all about preparing us for the years ahead, letting go of our
– this was a big part of my growing up and it’s one
childhood, but still keeping it in our hearts. Also, I think it is
I’ve read to my children, many times.
about
pushing the boat out and stepping out of our comfort
• ‘The Language of Flowers’ by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
zone
doing things
we usually love
wouldn’t
– and
a beautiful
but complicated
story. do”.
Why do you enjoy what you do?
1. Rite Journey 2016.
I really enjoy the personal interaction of meeting with people
2. Year 10 girls venturing to Godley Head.
both from within the school community and out. And I really
3. Marking the beginning of a special journey.
enjoy producing events. People + events = perfect job!
Free
dental
care*
| Community Relations Assistant
Sophie
Beaumont
English Teacher
What does your role at St Margaret’s involve?
I teach Year 11, 12 and 13 English, Year 9 ENSS (English and
Social Studies) and I am a Middle School tutor teacher!
1
What
did you do before St Margaret’s?
Last year was my first year teaching, and I taught Year 9, 10
and 12 History and Social Studies at Darfield High School.
Before Darfield, I studied at the University of Canterbury
where I completed my Bachelor of Arts with a major
in History, and minors in English and Sociology. I then went
on to study at Grad School to complete my teacher's training.
Who do you most admire in life?
Lots of people! Especially authors. If I had to pick one, probably
J.K. Rowling. She overcame a challenging childhood and not
only wrote some of the most recognised and loved books but
is 2 also a huge advocate for women’s rights and equality.
How do you spend your free time?
I love sport! All sports! Touch, hockey, skiing, tramping.
If you could witness any event of the past, present or future,
what would it be and why?
A future event. The day we see a female President of the
United States because I can’t wait to see what that will mean
for one of the most powerful countries, and for the world.
Why do you enjoy what you do?
I love the feeling when the girls succeed. The feeling, when
I see a student accomplish something they didn’t think they
could do, seeing them succeed and feel amazing about
themselves, is the most rewarding experience.
3
Love your smile
Love your tee th
*Free basic dental care for your
highschool teenagers (13-17 yrs)
All dental concerns expertly treated
Ph: 03 366 1948
12
EVERGREEN VOLUME 23
75 Cambridge Terrace
On-site and ample
street parking available
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AUTUMN 2017 11.